Saturday, May 26, 2012

Snowbirds


It was a revelation to me when I married and moved to northern Michigan that many of the older population traveled south to Florida for the winter. This did not occur in the state I called home where we waited for the summer months to travel to the ocean's shore.


I was soon to find out that my husband's own Uncle Roy and Aunt Dorothy traveled to Florida every single winter. Uncle Roy considered himself an aficionado of Traveling South in the newest mode of trailer park transportation available.


We were invited to their home for a walk-thru of their brand new fifth-wheel camper. I had never in my life seen anything quite so large that was legally allowed to be driven by non-professionals. Uncle Roy assured me his many years as the owner of Denoyer Bros. Moving & Storage did in fact make him overly qualified to drive this "rig" safely south. My new mother and father-in-law would be accompanying them. A pleasant time was expected by all.


I absolutely giggle to think of the many times my father-in-law would regale me about this transport to Florida alongside his sister's irascible husband. It seems Roy became possessed once behind the wheel of this overlong camper.


He was insistent upon "making good time" and would rarely stop for "necessary" reasons. His over-the-road days had given him the ability to "wait" for ten hour stretches at a time. If the tank didn't need fill'n, his didn't need empty'n! At this point in the story, my father-in-law would lean in close to whisper in my ear, "That Roy was a sun of a gun!"


My mother-in-law Ruth always chimed in at this point to finish the tale. "Do you know we never did get to sleep in their new camper. Roy unhitched that monstrosity, got back in the truck's cab, and drove us all the way back to Michigan. And he nearly never stopped for necessary reasons!





13 comments:

My Vintage Mending said...

Road trips...a favorite at our house. Always wanting to emulate Lucy and Desi in the trailer movie...I have dreamed of hitching one up and heading out. It appears my scouts are all camped out and prefer to get to their destination. The tiny tank that I am has to stop more than my husband likes...your flamingos are fabulous...smiles...Renee

Musings from Kim K. said...

I can't wait to show Josie your special pink mingo. I've been working on special flamingo items for her upcoming birthday. Your bird is very handsome.

vintage grey said...

Oh, how I can't wait to take road trips, especially with my dream of having an Airstream! Your flamingoes are so sweet, and I love all your special details!! Hope you are having a lovely weekend! xo Heather

Kathy @ Creative Home Expressions said...

As usual, this is like two posts in one, Elizabeth! I get so caught up in your story I have to go back to the beginning to see your lovely creation. : ) How cute is this guy and I love the map covered box you have him on. He does work well as the keeper of the pink buttons, too.

vivian said...

You really make the cutest things! Loving your flamingo and your story. I hope you have a lovely memorial day weekend E.
JUst pulled out my patriotic bin... only 1 bin and its not even full! I guess I better get on that!
xoxo
vivian

Linda said...

I'd love to be a snowbird, but I want a condo or something permanent...never will happen tho. Love the pink flamingos.

Tammy@T's Daily Treasures said...

My aunt and uncle always traveled from Michigan to Florida in their fifth wheel for the winter. How do you get your creations to stand so tall on those spindly looking legs? So cute. We actually have pink flamingos here. Unfortunately, we also have idiots who have massacred them for no reason at all other than just because they could. Sad. Hope you are well. Have a good weekend. Tammy

~Lavender Dreamer~ said...

How precious! Now that I live in Florida, I love finding ways to decorate and fun FL crafts to make! Thanks for the pattern and the fun, sweet E.! Enjoy your weekend!

annemarie said...

How precious is your flamingo - too cute for words!!

Lorraine said...

Ha! My brother drove a moving van and would sometimes take my other brother with him on long moves. The second one always said thank goodness they had to eat, otherwise they might not ever stop!

Your trinket box and flamingo are going on my "to do" list! Thanks for sharing.

usagypsy said...

I love your flamingo! Thanks so much for sharing the pattern! I am a snowbird, haul a 5th wheel too :) And adore Florida!

Ina said...

lol, i'm not sure i know why your in laws didn't get to sleep in the trailer? did he get mad at your in laws? just curious. ;p

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